"Alright, I say we start off with finding good sources." Arnold started up his computer as he began searching.

"Sure, I don't mind doing the artistic part, getting the poster board, or science board and getting some pictures either drawn or printed and glued on. Hell, I might even add some glitter." I scoffed as Arnold laughed.

"Sounds great Helga." He smiled at me as I felt my cheeks redden.

"Say Arnold, do you mind if I get a soda?" I asked sheepishly as he turned to look at me.

"Sure, do you mind getting me a Squirt?" He smirked back at me.

"Sure thing Arnoldo." I winked as I went downstairs to the kitchen, opening up the fridge when I saw Suzie Kokoshka sitting at the table having some tea and reading the newspaper. She aged surprisingly well, still keeping her thin figure, bright brown eyes and short curly blonde hair. She smiled at me, I grinned at her when she put her paper down and took a sip at her tea.

"You and Arnold are working on homework together again I see?" She smiled at me as I felt my cheeks flush.

"Yea, I don't know what it is about the teachers assigning us as partners all the time." I shrugged, trying not to look too deep into anything.

"Oh I'm sure they see how well you two work together. Adults can see those things."

"What things?" I raised an eyebrow.

"The things that hint at potentially permanent partners in the near future." She got up and opened one of the cabinets and brought back two small bags. She walked back towards the table and handed them to me, they were bright yellow with candies inside.

"Thanks Mrs. Kokoshka." I smiled as she rested her chin on her hands.

"You know he likes you." She said slyly.

"W-what?" I drew back as she giggled.

"Arnold, he always talks about you and how great you are. I'm sure he's too shy to ask you out, I mean it must be a shock after the relationship you two had in elementary school. You've matured a lot Helga, both of you have." She stood, finished her tea and told me good night. She had to get up early and said it was nice talking to me, though I felt like she did all the talking.

"Here ya go Arnoldo." I handed him the soda and bag of candy.
"Thanks Helga, where'd you get this from?"

"Mrs. Kokoshka." I said as I opened my soda and took a long drink.

"That was nice of her." He smiled bashfully as I noticed his cheeks reddened, I wondered if she'd told Arnold the same thing she told me.

"Well, I printed out a few photos for our project, so if you want we can go tomorrow to get a science board.

"Sure." We worked throughout the night, then I suddenly found myself asleep on his bed, I turned and found him facing me. His face was so angelic when he slept, suddenly I realized my parents didn't even call to see if I was ok, thus I took this chance and simply slept on. The next morning, I went home, showered and put on a pair of ripped jeans with a simply gray shirt that had my favorite band name on it, a black bandana folded up like a headband and newer black combat boots.

"I'm going now!" I turned to see that no one was home. I rolled my eyes as I walked outside to see Arnold waiting for me, he was wearing a blue and black flannel with a pair of old jeans and black Vans. His hair was messy and his blue cap sat atop his head perfectly.

"Ready?" He asked.

"Always." I smiled as we walked over towards the office supply store and we were in and out but I couldn't help but notice how many girls had their eyes on him; I was sure that when he changed schools he would get a girlfriend.

"Helga, what's wrong?" Arnold looked at me worriedly as I noticed I was crying. I quickly wiped my tears away as I sat on his bed.

"You know we're going to be graduating middle school soon." I started as he nodded his head.

"And you know we'll be going to different high schools." I began to feel tears trickling down my cheeks as he nodded again.

"And we won't be seeing each other as often." I tried to go on but I kept getting choked up.

"Helga, what are you trying to say? We'll always be friends." He put his hand on my shoulder as I looked into those beautiful green eyes.

"That's just it, when we go to high school I know you'll be surrounded by beautiful girls that will want to go out with you and I won't be one of them." I felt so much pain, it was like my heart was breaking.

"Helga, I don't believe you're thinking clearly. Besides, I'm not planning on getting just any girlfriend, she'll have to be someone I really care for. And you know we can go to the same high school, my grandma was thinking of sending me to a different one because she thought it would be better for me, education wise. But I told her I didn't want to leave all my friends." He hugged me as I squeaked slightly, I could hear him chuckle.

"Arnold, what are you-" I couldn't finish my sentence, he kissed me on the forehead and my heart swelled, my cheeks reddened, and somehow I fell even more in love with him.

"You've become such a great friend, different from Gerald in a good way . . . a really good way. I want this friendship to keep growing and one day I want to ask you out. But for now, let's just finish this project ok?" He looked at me earnestly as I nodded. I understood what he meant and I was so happy when he told me we'd go to the same high school now.

Our presentation went very well, we got an A and Arnold took me out for an ice cream.

"That was awesome." He smiled as he sipped on his shake.

"It was." I took another bite at my sundae. We both laughed and had such a good time, I hoped we'd be like this forever.